Joseph Leonard was a United States Marine private

Private (rank)

A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank .In modern military parlance, 'Private' is shortened to 'Pte' in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to 'Pvt.' in the United States.Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of, rare, rapid career...

 received the Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...

 for actions during the Philippine–American War.

He is buried in Veterans Memorial Grove Cemetery Yountville, California.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps. (Enlisted as Joseph Melvin). Born: August 28, 1876, Cohoes, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 55, July 19, 1901.

Citation:

For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in battles, while with the Eighth Army Corps on 25, 27, and March 29, and on April 4, 1899.

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients